Rio de Janiero - Urban change in an LEDC

Background:

Rio is in South east Brazil

It has 600 favelas

Project started in 1995

The project involves 253,000 people in 73 favelas

40% of the $300 million funding for the project came from the local authority. The rest was provided by an international organisation

Social improvements:- Day care centres/after school schemes to look after children while parents work

- Adult education classes

- Services to help people affected by drug and alcohol addiction and domestic violence

Economic improvements:- Residents can apply to legally own their properties

- Training schemes to help people learn new skills so they can find better jobs and earn more

Environemental improvements:- Replacement of wooden buildings with brick building

- Widening and paving of streets to allow easier access

- Provision of basic services E.G. clean water, electricity

Residents choose which improvements they want (feel involved)

Neighbourhood associations formed to communicate with residents and make decisions

New services are staffed by residents (provides income)

The project has been very successful

Standard of living/health has improved

Local businesses doubled